Taufel to lead DP World ILT20 match officials'' panel for fifth consecutive season

Dubai, Nov 12 (PTI) Five-time ICC Umpire of the Year Simon Taufel will return to lead the match officials' panel for the fifth consecutive season of the DP World ILT20, which begins on November 21.

     The Australian, who won the ICC Umpire of the Year award from 2004 to 2008, will be the match referee for the season opener between defending champions Desert Vipers and MI Emirates at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

     The opening contest will be a rematch of last season's final. Taufel will share match referee responsibilities during the tournament with former Sri Lankan cricketer Roshan Mahanama, who played 52 Tests and 213 ODIs.

     New Zealand's Chris Brown and England's Martin Saggers will be the on-field umpires for the opening fixture, while Australia's Paul Wilson will serve as the third umpire and New Zealand's Wayne Knights as the fourth umpire.

     The panel also features ICC Elite Panel umpires Richard Illingworth and South Africa's Adrian Holdstock, along with Afghanistan's Ahmad Pakteen. The UAE will be represented by Aasif Iqbal, Akbar Ali Khan and Shiju Mannil.

     As part of its efforts to develop officiating in the region, the league will also invite two umpires each from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia to shadow the panel during the league stage. The initiative will be supported by former ICC Umpires Coach Dennis Burns.

     "It's a privilege to return for a fifth season of the DP World ILT20," Taufel said, expressing confidence in the strengthened panel and the improving pool of UAE officials.

     He said the exposure to an international officiating environment would help umpires from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia enhance their skills and contribute to the development of the game in their respective countries.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)